He signed last year for four years and $16 million, replacing Zach Miller, but only caught 28 passes. Then-head coach Hue Jackson de-emphasized the tight end's receiving role, which was a little odd considering that Jackson carried four tight ends on the roster.

Wimbley's agent and the Raiders haven't talked in a week, after the club made it known it would like him to pay cut, and he said he would rather not. Wimbley is owed $43.5 million over the next four years, including a salary of $11 million next season; $6.5 million of that is guaranteed, and the other $4.5 million plus another $13 million becomes guaranteed Saturday.

Cutting Wimbley would leave the Raiders with another big hole to file. Here is a quick rundown of their biggest needs:

Cornerback: They cut last year's two starters and could target second-tier players such as Tracy Porter and Aaron Ross. Porter, 26 next season, played for new Raiders head coach Dennis Allen when Allen was the secondary coach in New Orleans, and if there is one thing the assistant-coaching search proved, Allen is big on familiarity.

Outside linebacker: Wimbley would disappear at times, but he is a legitimate pass rusher.